MKU opens a direct global pathway as 27 Kenyan nursing apprentices head to Germany for career opportunities

Mount Kenya University (MKU) has marked another milestone in its global training agenda after officially sending off the fifth cohort of nursing apprentices set to begin training in Germany.

During a celebratory ceremony, the university bid farewell to 27 apprentices who are scheduled to depart on April 1, 2026, under the institution’s Nursing Apprenticeship Programme. The initiative is part of MKU’s broader internationalisation strategy aimed at equipping students with practical skills, global exposure, and access to international job markets.

Since its launch in 2023, the programme has steadily grown into one of the university’s most impactful global initiatives. With the latest cohort, the total number of beneficiaries now rises to 81 students who have secured apprenticeship opportunities in Germany.

The programme’s success has been driven by strong international partnerships. MKU acknowledged the critical role played by Hochschule Koblenz University of Applied Sciences, which supports programme development, as well as AG-Career Hub in Germany, led by Ms. Carol Mwangi, which provides mentorship and facilitates students’ transition into the German healthcare system.

Apprentices are placed in leading healthcare facilities across cities such as Bad Mergentheim, Göttingen, Pirmasens and Alzey, where they gain hands-on experience in professional medical environments.

Speaking during the event, MKU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Deogratius Jaganyi revealed that the university is in the process of becoming an accredited TELC (The European Language Certificates) examination centre. He noted that this move will enable students to sit German language proficiency exams locally, strengthening MKU’s language training capacity and preparing more learners for international opportunities.

Beyond nursing, the university continues to expand global employment pathways across other sectors. Through the MKU Maritime Academy in Malindi, over 1,065 students have been trained in Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) courses. More than 400 graduates have already secured jobs aboard international cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Princess Cruises.

The STCW certification, established by the International Maritime Organisation in 1978, sets the global standard for safety and training in the maritime industry, covering essential skills such as firefighting, first aid and survival at sea. Proficiency in German has further enabled some MKU graduates to access employment opportunities with European cruise operators such as AIDA Cruises.

Chairman of the University Council, Dr. Vincent Gaitho, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to programmes that promote youth employment and global collaboration. He urged the departing apprentices to uphold discipline and professionalism as they represent both the university and the country abroad.

“Remain focused, disciplined, and committed to excellence. You are ambassadors of MKU and Kenya, and this opportunity should inspire you to achieve even greater heights,” he said.

University officials also commended the fifth cohort for their dedication and resilience, encouraging them to maintain integrity and professionalism throughout their training journey.

Meanwhile, MKU continues to strengthen its global footprint through strategic partnerships. Last week, the university signed a landmark five-year agreement with leading Chinese ICT institutions, Nanjing Zhongxing Xinyada Information Technology Co. Ltd (Xinyada) and Nanjing Vocational College of Information Technology (NJCIT).

The partnership, signed virtually on March 18, 2026, is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), where MKU serves as the UN Academic Impact (UNAI) Hub Chair.

According to Prof. Jaganyi, the collaboration is designed to advance digital skills, innovation, and infrastructure development across Kenya and the wider African region.

“We have already received the first consignment of ICT equipment from Xinyada, which will support teaching and research,” he said.

The agreement will see the establishment of a China–Africa Skills Supermarket, expansion of cloud computing platforms, joint training programmes and exchange opportunities for staff and students. It will also promote digital collaboration, including institutional linkages aimed at strengthening technological capacity.

Xinyada, a leading Chinese tech enterprise, specialises in digital platforms and ICT training, while NJCIT is renowned for its advanced programmes in artificial intelligence, communications and intelligent manufacturing. The institution already collaborates with universities in countries such as South Africa and Ethiopia.

The partnership is expected to contribute to Kenya Vision 2030, the East African Community Vision 2050 and the African Union Agenda 2063 by nurturing a skilled workforce capable of driving industrial and technological transformation.

Through these initiatives, MKU continues to position itself as a leader in global education, committed to equipping learners with relevant skills and unlocking opportunities in an increasingly competitive international job market.